GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Amid family, friends and fellow Airmen Chief Master Sgt. Tamara Jones said goodbye to the Air force after 33 years of service during her retirement ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana July 8.
Jones, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron reserve supply superintendent, joined the Air Force in 1984 as an inventory management specialist, stationed at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida.
Jones who was stationed at Grissom prior to its realignment as a reserve base returned as a reservist in 1995 after 11 years of active duty service.
Any Airman who has met Jones knew she cared for those around her and was a dedicated Airman, said Chief Master Sgt. Wes Marion, 434th Air Refueling Wing command chief.
“I was trying to think of a word that describes Chief Jones and that first word that comes to mind is invested,” explained Marion. “There is never a question of whether she is here or not; when she is here, she is always in the moment and always taking care of people.”
Jones’ dedication to others was demonstrated during her retirement ceremony when she chose to share the stage with her uncle, Albert Burdett, a Marine veteran who was given a Presidential Unit Citation for his service during the Vietnam War.
“Albert and I are the only ones in my immediate family who served in the military,” said Jones. “He really served as a mentor and supported me throughout my military career; especially when it came to promoting and continuing to serve until I retired.
“When I found out he had never received his medals for his service I knew this would be a great opportunity to present them to him,” added Jones. “He was an inspiration to me, and I wanted him to get the recognition that he deserves.”
Throughout her career, Jones established a legacy of compassion and helpfulness that will be remembered long after she parts ways with her Grissom family.
“In the entire time I’ve known her, she has always been a person who is a hard charger and ready to get stuff done,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michael O’Brien, 434th LRS logistics plans superintendent. “I’ve never heard her say ‘that’s not my job’ or ‘find somebody else.’ She always stepped up and got the job done.”
Jones will be remembered as a chief who exemplified the Air Force core values and ensured others followed in her footsteps.
“When it comes to core values and service before self, Jones always amazes me,” said O’Brien. “Everything she has done for the wing and the local community speaks volumes for the person she is and the legacy she will leave behind.”
After her retirement Jones plans on spending time with family.
“I really enjoy spending time with family and doing crafts,” said Jones. “We have a family business and I after retirement I plan on getting more involved.”
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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